Bertha Jane (Whitaker) Lightfoot

   Bertha Jane Lightfoot 72 of  Harbor Springs passed away February 9, 2016 at her home. She was born February 26, 1943 to Richard Stephen and Bernice C. (Doty) Whitaker. She grew up in Harbor Springs where she attended school, graduating from high school in 1961. She married Curtis Lightfoot and they later divorced. Bertha was a loving mother, enjoyed the outdoors, loved to bake, garden and canned food. Bertha worked as a seamstress for her mother in law for 15 years. She also worked at the Emmet Co. Medical Care Facility as a dietary aide for several years until her battle with mental illness changed her path in life.

   Bertha always had a huge smile, a sharp mind and a word of advice whether it made sense or not, a kiss and a hug. Writing letters was her favorite pasttime as well as playing Bingo or Yahtzee. It was a joy and blessing to have our mom in our lives as long as we did and she will be greatly missed by all her family.

   Survivors include her five children Tina S. Tippett and husband Larry, Edward D. Lightfoot and wife Kathleen, Donna L. Keen, Richard B. Lightfoot and Randall J. Lightfoot, her grandchildren Justin Tippett and wife Emily, Andy Keen, Rebecca Keen, Hannah Lightfoot, Hailey Lightfoot, Jakob Lightfoot, Constance Lightfoot, Brittany Lightfoot, Logan Lightfoot, Keagan Lightfoot and great grandchildren Annabelle, Tylar and Casen Tippett. Bertha was preceeded in death by her parents, brothers Kenneth, Richard, David, Jerry Lee, Paul Benjamin and sister MaryAnn Bates.

   A time for visiting with family and friends will take place on Tuesday Feb. 16th from 10-11:00 AM at Stutsmanville Chapel followed by a service of reflection at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service of reflection.

   A beloved granddaughter left this note by her lamp the day she passed that read “5:05 to Heaven”

   Arrangements were made through Schiller Funeral Home. Online messages of condolence and reflecton may be made at stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

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